USA SWIMMING SQUAD TO COMPETE IN MANCHESTER
The world's number one swimming nation has confirmed it will
be sending a squad to the FINA World Championships (25m) to
be held in Manchester in 2008.
USA Swimming will hold trials in December 2007 where the
team destined for the 2008 World Championships (9th to 13th
April) will be decided.
Organisers British Swimming, Manchester City Council, UKSport
and the North West Regional Development Agency, have warmly
welcomed news that a nation currently boasting such stars
as Michael Phelps, Amanda Beard, Aaron Peirsol and Brendan
Hansen will be in Manchester.
The World Championships, which will act as ideal preparation
ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, will be held at the
Manchester Evening News Arena where two temporary pools will
be built.
Crowds of up to 10,000 will be able to see athletes from
the greatest swimming nations in the world compete for honours
while finalising skills ahead of the Beijing Olympics later
in the year.
Katie Brazier, Commercial Director for British Swimming,
said: "We are delighted that US Swimming is looking to
send some of the biggest names in swimming today to the World
Championships in Manchester.
"It promises to be a fantastic event showcasing the
world's greatest talents just four months out from the Beijing
Olympics.
"It will also give fans in Britain a glimpse of what
can be expected when the swimming world converges for the
London 2012 Olympics."
Manchester was awarded the championships in October 2004
following a successful bid to world governing body FINA.
|
